Motorised Blinds South Africa: Somfy and MotionBlinds Compared
Your bedroom blinds open with the sunrise. The living room dims before the film starts. Outdoor awnings retract the moment the wind picks up. Motorised blinds are not about technology for the sake of it. They are about mornings that feel easier, evenings that feel calmer, and a home that looks after itself while you get on with living.
What are the best motorised blind systems available in South Africa?
- Two professional-grade ecosystems are available in South Africa: Somfy and MotionBlinds (by Coulisse, with Eve for Apple Home integration)
- Somfy uses RTS (one-way radio) and io-homecontrol (two-way feedback) protocols, with motors for rollers, curtain tracks, venetians, outdoor blinds and awnings
- MotionBlinds uses Bluetooth and Thread protocols with native Apple HomeKit support via Eve and is strong for battery-powered retrofits
- Both systems work with voice assistants including Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
- Battery-powered and solar motorised blinds continue to work during load shedding
- Custom Blinds supplies and installs both Somfy and MotionBlinds across the Garden Route, and ships motorised-ready blinds nationally
- Motorisation works on roller blinds, venetians, honeycomb blinds, curtain tracks, outdoor blinds and retractable awnings
Need expert advice? Call Duncan on 079 523 5407
TLDR
South Africa has two serious motorised blind ecosystems: Somfy (established, strongest for outdoor awnings and whole-home hub control) and MotionBlinds (modern, strongest for Apple households and battery retrofits). Custom Blinds works across both platforms, advises which suits each home, and installs throughout the Garden Route. Battery and solar motors work through load shedding. This guide covers every product, power option, control method and cost consideration so you can make a confident decision.
How it feels
Motorised blinds do not announce themselves. They simply remove the small daily frictions you stopped noticing years ago — the reach, the tug, the tangled cord, the walk across the room, the worry about what happens to your patio when you are not there.
Morning
Bedroom blinds rise gently at 6:30. The room fills with light before the alarm sounds. You wake up differently.
Afternoon
The sun moves, the blinds respond. West-facing rooms stay cool without you lifting a finger. Your energy bill reflects it.
Evening
One voice command or one tap. Every blind in the house closes together. Privacy, warmth, quiet. The evening begins.
Away
On holiday, your blinds open and close on schedule. The awning retracts in the wind. The house takes care of itself.
“People think motorised blinds are a luxury item. Then they live with them for a week and realise it is just a better way to run a house. Especially here on the coast, where the weather changes three times before lunch.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Why Custom Blinds
Both Systems, One Specialist
Most South African blind companies work with one motorisation platform. Some sell Somfy. Some sell generic imports. Very few understand both Somfy and MotionBlinds well enough to recommend honestly which one suits your home. Custom Blinds supplies, installs and supports both ecosystems — because the right answer depends on your household, your devices and your windows, not on which brand pays a higher margin.
Installations
Across the Garden Route since 2010, including hundreds of motorised systems in coastal conditions
Ecosystems
Somfy and MotionBlinds — we advise on both and install whichever suits your home
Years
Engineering window coverings for salt air, humidity and wind that test every component
Two Systems, One Roof: Somfy and MotionBlinds
The South African market has two professional motorisation ecosystems worth investing in. Both are engineered by global manufacturers, both have extensive motor ranges, and both integrate with the voice assistants and smart home platforms people actually use. The difference is in their heritage, protocols and where each one is strongest.
Somfy
Founded in 1969 and installed in over 100 million homes worldwide, Somfy is the established standard in motorised window coverings and outdoor automation. Two core protocols power the range.
RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) is a one-way radio signal — you send a command and the motor responds. Reliable, affordable, proven over decades. Ideal for single rooms or straightforward setups where you control blinds with a remote or wall switch and do not need feedback in an app.
io-homecontrol is Somfy’s two-way protocol. The motor sends status back to the hub, so your app knows whether the blind is open, closed or halfway. This is the protocol behind whole-home automation, scene programming and integration with Alexa and Google Assistant via the TaHoma hub.
Key motor ranges include Sonesse (whisper-quiet indoor rollers), Glydea (motorised curtain tracks), and the WireFree range (rechargeable lithium battery motors that need no mains wiring). For outdoor applications, Somfy motors drive retractable awnings, louvred awnings and heavy outdoor blinds, with dedicated sun, wind and rain sensors that trigger automatic responses.
- TaHoma hub controls blinds, awnings, lights and sensors from one app
- RTS protocol for reliable, affordable single-room motorisation
- io-homecontrol for two-way feedback and whole-home scenes
- Sonesse motors are near-silent at 37dB — quieter than a whisper
- Strongest outdoor range: awning motors with weather sensors that auto-retract
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
MotionBlinds
MotionBlinds by Coulisse represents the newer generation of blind motorisation, built around wireless-first protocols and native smart home integration. The range includes Eve MotionBlinds, which adds Apple Home support through the Eve platform.
Bluetooth provides direct device-to-motor control without a hub. Simple, low-power, works from your phone within range. Thread is the mesh networking protocol that extends range through your home — each Thread device strengthens the network. This is the protocol Apple Home uses natively.
For Apple households, Eve MotionBlinds connects directly to Apple Home with no bridge required when using Thread. For Android users and those wanting Alexa or Google Assistant, the MotionBlinds Wi-Fi bridge connects the motors to your home network. MotionBlinds is also Matter compatible, which means it is built for the direction smart homes are heading.
The motor range focuses on indoor battery-powered applications: rollers, honeycomb blinds and venetians. Battery motors recharge via USB-C and last 6 to 12 months between charges depending on daily use.
- Native Apple HomeKit via Eve — no bridge needed with Thread
- Matter compatible for future-proof smart home integration
- Bluetooth and Thread protocols — wireless first, no mains wiring
- USB-C rechargeable battery motors — simple retrofit
- MotionBlinds app for Android, Apple Home for iOS
- Voice control via Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant
Honest Guidance: Which System Suits Your Home
If your household runs Apple devices and you want blinds that appear natively in the Home app alongside your lights and locks, MotionBlinds with Eve gives you the tightest integration available. If you want outdoor automation with weather sensors that auto-retract your awning when the wind picks up, Somfy with TaHoma is the proven choice. If you have a mix of indoor and outdoor needs, many of our clients use both — MotionBlinds on the bedroom rollers, Somfy on the patio awning. They do not conflict.
| Feature | Somfy | MotionBlinds |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | Founded 1969, 100M+ homes worldwide | By Coulisse, newer generation |
| Protocols | RTS (one-way), io-homecontrol (two-way) | Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi (bridge) |
| Apple HomeKit | ✗ Not native | ✓ Native via Eve + Thread |
| Alexa / Google | ✓ Via TaHoma hub | ✓ Via Wi-Fi bridge |
| Siri / Apple Home | ✗ Limited | ✓ Full native control |
| Matter support | In development | ✓ Compatible |
| Outdoor motors | ✓ Strongest range — awnings, outdoor blinds | ✗ Indoor focus |
| Weather sensors | ✓ Sun, wind, rain — auto-retract | ✗ Not available |
| Battery motors | ✓ WireFree range | ✓ Core strength — USB-C rechargeable |
| Curtain tracks | ✓ Glydea range | ✗ Limited |
| Whole-home hub | ✓ TaHoma | Wi-Fi bridge (indoor) or Apple Home |
| Best for | Whole-home + outdoor + mixed systems | Apple homes + battery retrofits |
Which Blinds and Awnings Can Be Motorised
Almost every window covering Custom Blinds manufactures or supplies can accept a motor. The question is which motor system, which power source and whether the existing installation can be retrofitted or needs replacing. Here is the product-by-product picture.
Indoor roller blinds
The most common motorisation project. Roller blinds accept tube motors from both Somfy (Sonesse for whisper-quiet operation, WireFree for battery) and MotionBlinds (battery powered, USB-C rechargeable). Motorised rollers work in blockout and sheer fabrics, and are the go-to choice for bedrooms, living areas and home offices where cord-free operation and scheduled scenes make the biggest difference.
Venetian blinds
Somfy tilt motors adjust slat angle by remote or app. Useful for privacy control in venetian blinds where you want to fine-tune light without raising the entire blind. Motorised tilt is available on aluminium and aluwood venetians.
Honeycomb and Duette blinds
MotionBlinds battery motors are particularly well suited to honeycomb blinds — the lightweight cellular fabric draws very little power, which means batteries last longer between charges. Ideal for bedrooms where you want scheduled blockout and no cords near children.
Curtain tracks
Somfy’s Glydea range motorises curtain tracks for large windows and sliding doors. The motor sits inside the track, drawing curtains open or closed by remote, app or schedule. A strong choice for floor-to-ceiling glass and patio doors common in Garden Route homes.
Outdoor blinds
Heavy PVC and screen fabric outdoor blinds use Somfy wired motors (220V mains) for the torque needed to raise and lower substantial fabric panels. These are the blinds that protect patios, restaurants and stoeps from rain and wind across the Garden Route.
Retractable awnings
Somfy motors in retractable folding-arm awnings extend and retract the canopy by remote. Add a wind sensor and the awning retracts automatically when gusts exceed your set threshold — essential for Garden Route coastal properties where wind conditions change rapidly.
Louvred awnings
Aluminium louvred awnings use motorised louvre blades that tilt to control sun and rain. Open the louvres for airflow, close them for rain protection, or set them to auto-respond to a rain sensor. These are permanently fixed structures with the flexibility of a movable roof.
Power: Mains, Battery, Solar and Load Shedding
Power source is one of the first decisions in any motorisation project, and in South Africa it carries a question no other country needs to ask: what happens during load shedding?
Mains (220V)
Hard-wired motors draw power from a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated feed behind the pelmet. This is the most reliable option for large, heavy blinds and outdoor awnings where the motor needs consistent torque. The trade-off is that mains wiring must be planned — ideally before building or during renovation. Retrofitting mains wiring into existing walls adds cost and disruption.
Battery (rechargeable lithium)
No wiring required. Battery motors fit inside the blind tube or mount behind the headrail, and recharge via USB-C every 6 to 12 months depending on daily use and blind size. This is the fastest path to motorisation for existing homes — remove the old blind, install the new motorised one, pair it with your phone. During load shedding, battery motors are completely unaffected.
Solar
A small solar panel, typically mounted on the window frame or nearby wall, continuously charges the battery motor. Good for hard-to-reach outdoor blinds or windows where you do not want to think about recharging. Solar-powered motors work through load shedding as long as the battery has charge.
What happens during load shedding
Battery and solar motors are unaffected — they operate independently of the grid. Mains motors stop during the outage but hold their position and resume normal operation when power returns. The TaHoma hub and MotionBlinds Wi-Fi bridge both need power, so a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) on your internet router and hub keeps app and voice control working during Stage 2 or 4. Alternatively, battery motors with Bluetooth control (no hub needed) continue working even without Wi-Fi.
| Power source | Best for | Load shedding | Retrofit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mains 220V | Large outdoor blinds, heavy awnings | Motor stops, resumes after | Needs electrical work |
| Battery (lithium) | Indoor rollers, honeycomb, venetians | ✓ Unaffected | ✓ Easy — no wiring |
| Solar panel | Hard-to-reach outdoor, remote locations | ✓ Unaffected | ✓ Panel mount only |
Planning a new build or renovation? Ask your architect or builder to run electrical conduit to each window head before the walls close up. Even if you do not motorise immediately, the wiring is there when you are ready — and it costs almost nothing during construction.
“The first thing I ask a client is: new build or existing house? If it is new build, we wire every window head. If it is existing, we go battery. Simple decision, and both work beautifully. The technology has reached the point where there is no wrong answer.”
Duncan, Custom Blinds — 15 years installing across the Garden Route
Control: Remotes, Apps, Voice and Sensors
How you interact with motorised blinds day to day depends on what you install and how far you want to go. Every option below works independently — you do not need all of them.
Remotes and wall switches
The simplest control. A handheld remote or a wall-mounted switch sends a signal to the motor. No Wi-Fi needed, no app, no setup. Press up, press down, press the favourite position. Many clients with a single motorised blind in the bedroom use nothing more than this.
App control
Somfy’s TaHoma app lets you control every Somfy device in the house from your phone — set schedules, create scenes, check blind positions. MotionBlinds app does the same for MotionBlinds motors. Apple users with Eve MotionBlinds control everything through the Apple Home app alongside their lights, locks and thermostat.
Voice control
“Alexa, close the living room blinds.” “Hey Google, open bedroom blinds to fifty percent.” “Hey Siri, good night.” All three voice assistants work with motorised blinds — Alexa and Google through Somfy TaHoma or MotionBlinds bridge, Siri through Eve MotionBlinds natively via Apple Home.
Sensors
Somfy’s sensor range is where outdoor automation becomes hands-free. A sun sensor extends the awning or closes blinds when UV reaches your set threshold. A wind sensor retracts the awning automatically when gusts exceed safe limits — critical on the Garden Route where a southeaster can arrive in minutes. A rain sensor closes outdoor blinds or retracts awnings at the first drops. These sensors protect your investment without you needing to be home.
Scenes and schedules
This is where motorisation becomes genuinely useful beyond convenience. Set a “Morning” scene that opens bedroom blinds at 6:30 and raises the kitchen roller to half. Set “Movie Night” to close the living room and dim the lights. Set “Away” to randomise blind movements through the day so the house looks occupied. Scenes run automatically, on schedule, every day.
Retrofit vs New Blinds: Can You Motorise What You Have?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: sometimes, but not always cost-effectively.
Some existing roller blinds can accept a retrofit motor if the tube diameter matches the motor shaft — typically 38mm or 45mm tubes. The existing fabric stays, the manual mechanism comes out, the motor goes in. This works well when the blind is in good condition and the fabric is worth keeping.
Most venetian blinds cannot be economically retrofitted. The lifting and tilting mechanisms in manual venetians are not designed for motor integration, and the cost of adaptation often exceeds the cost of a new motorised venetian built to purpose.
Honeycomb blinds with MotionBlinds motors are almost always supplied as complete new units. The motor, battery and fabric are engineered as one integrated system.
Our recommendation: if you are motorising one or two existing rollers in good condition, retrofit makes sense. If you are motorising a room or a whole house, start fresh with motorised-ready blinds built to the correct specifications. The result is more reliable, the finish is cleaner, and the per-window cost difference is smaller than you expect.
Custom Blinds assesses on site throughout the Garden Route, or advises remotely with photos and measurements for national delivery.
What Does Motorised Blinds Cost in South Africa?
Exact pricing depends on the motor system, blind type, size and power source, and changes with supplier costs — so we give guidance ranges rather than fixed numbers. For a detailed breakdown of blind pricing (before motorisation), see our blinds pricing guide.
Entry level
A single battery-powered motorised roller blind with a remote control. This is the starting point for most homeowners — one bedroom, one blind, no hub or app required. The motor adds a moderate premium to the base blind cost.
Mid range
Three to five motorised blinds connected to a hub (TaHoma or MotionBlinds bridge) with app control, voice integration and basic scene programming. This is where motorisation starts to feel like a system rather than individual gadgets.
Whole home
A full Somfy TaHoma installation with indoor blinds, outdoor awnings, weather sensors, scene programming and integration with your broader smart home. Or a full MotionBlinds setup through Apple Home with automated schedules across every room. The per-window premium for motorisation has dropped significantly in recent years, making whole-home automation more accessible than most people expect.
The best way to get an accurate price is to WhatsApp us your requirements — we respond with a detailed quote based on your specific windows, preferred system and power source.
Coastal and Garden Route Considerations
Motorised blinds on the coast face conditions that inland installations never encounter. After 15 years installing in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield and Wilderness, Custom Blinds has learned exactly which components last and which do not.
Salt air and humidity. Motor housing material matters. Somfy motors designed for outdoor use are sealed against moisture ingress, but bracket and mounting hardware must be marine-grade stainless or powder-coated aluminium — standard zinc-plated brackets corrode within months at the coast. We specify corrosion-resistant hardware on every coastal installation.
Wind exposure. Outdoor awning sensors must be calibrated to local conditions. A wind threshold that works in Johannesburg is too high for Garden Route gusts that accelerate through valleys and over headlands. We set sensor thresholds based on the specific exposure of each property — north-facing waterfront differs from a sheltered garden position three streets back.
Holiday homes. Remote monitoring and control via the TaHoma app or Apple Home means you can check and adjust blinds from anywhere. Close blinds for security, open them for airflow, retract awnings before a storm — all from your phone in Johannesburg or Cape Town. For properties managed by rental agencies, scene schedules handle guest arrival and departure automatically.
Large glass facades. Homes along the Knysna lagoon and Plett coastline often have floor-to-ceiling glass across entire walls. Multiple blinds on these facades need grouping — so one command moves them all together, or a scene staggers them for effect. This requires proper system planning during the quotation stage, not improvisation during installation.
How We Work: From Consultation to Installation
Motorisation adds a layer of planning that standard blind installations do not require. Power access, protocol choice, hub placement, sensor positioning and scene programming all need to be considered before manufacturing begins. Here is how Custom Blinds handles it.
→
→
→
→
Site visit (Garden Route) or remote consultation (national). We look at each window: orientation, size, daily use, sun exposure and power access. We ask how you live — which rooms matter most, what annoys you about your current setup, what devices you already use.
System recommendation. Based on the assessment, we recommend Somfy, MotionBlinds or a combination. We specify the motor for each window, the power source, the control method and whether a hub or bridge is needed. You get a written quote with every component listed.
Manufacture or source. Custom Blinds manufactures shutters and awnings in-house and sources motorised roller blinds from Somfy, Hunter Douglas and Coulisse to exact specifications. Everything is built to your window measurements.
Install and programme. We install the blinds, mount the motors, position sensors, connect the hub, programme limits (so each blind knows exactly where fully open and fully closed are), set up scenes and hand you a system that works from day one. We show you how to use it before we leave.
Ongoing support. Battery replacements, reprogramming, troubleshooting, adding new blinds to an existing system — we handle it. Contact us any time.
The practical case
Why Motorisation Makes Sense
Child Safety
No hanging cords or chains. Motorised blinds eliminate the most common window covering hazard in homes with young children.
Energy Savings
Scheduled blinds respond to the sun automatically. West-facing rooms stay cool in summer, north-facing rooms retain warmth in winter.
Longevity
Motor-driven blinds move evenly every time. No yanking, no uneven tension, no broken cords. The fabric and mechanism last longer.
Property Value
Whole-home automation is a selling point. Estate agents increasingly list motorised blinds and awnings as a property feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do motorised blinds work during load shedding in South Africa?
Battery-powered and solar-powered motorised blinds work through load shedding without interruption. They operate independently of the electrical grid. Mains-powered motors (220V) stop during the outage but hold their position and resume when power returns. For app and voice control during load shedding, a small UPS on your router and hub keeps everything connected.
What is the difference between Somfy and MotionBlinds?
Somfy is the established global standard with the strongest outdoor motor range, weather sensors and whole-home control via the TaHoma hub. MotionBlinds by Coulisse is the newer, wireless-first system with native Apple HomeKit support via Eve and Thread. Custom Blinds supplies both and recommends based on your household devices and requirements.
Can I control motorised blinds with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes. Siri works natively with Eve MotionBlinds through Apple Home. Alexa and Google Assistant work with both Somfy (via TaHoma hub) and MotionBlinds (via Wi-Fi bridge). You can open, close, set percentages and trigger scenes by voice.
How long do batteries last in motorised blinds?
Rechargeable lithium batteries in motorised blinds typically last 6 to 12 months between charges, depending on the blind size and how often it operates daily. A standard bedroom roller used twice a day lasts closer to 12 months. Recharging takes a few hours via USB-C cable.
Can I motorise my existing blinds?
Some existing roller blinds can accept a retrofit motor if the tube diameter matches (38mm or 45mm). Most venetian and honeycomb blinds cannot be cost-effectively retrofitted. Custom Blinds assesses each case individually — send us photos and measurements for a recommendation.
Do I need Wi-Fi for motorised blinds?
No. Motorised blinds with a remote or wall switch work without Wi-Fi. You only need Wi-Fi for app control, voice assistants and remote access. Bluetooth-only MotionBlinds motors work from your phone without a network connection when you are in range.
Are motorised blinds safe for children?
Motorised blinds are the safest window covering option for homes with children. They eliminate hanging cords and chains entirely. Both Somfy and MotionBlinds motors comply with international child safety standards. Custom Blinds recommends motorised or cordless blinds for every nursery and child’s bedroom.
How much do motorised blinds cost in South Africa?
Pricing depends on the blind type, motor system, size and power source. A single motorised roller with remote starts at a moderate premium above a manual blind. Whole-home systems with hub control, scenes and sensors sit at the premium end. For accurate pricing, see our blinds pricing guide or request a custom quote.
Can outdoor awnings on the Garden Route be automated?
Yes. Somfy motorised awnings with wind and sun sensors are one of Custom Blinds’ most popular outdoor installations across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and George. The wind sensor auto-retracts the awning when gusts exceed a set threshold, protecting the fabric and mechanism in Garden Route conditions.
What happens if the motor breaks — can it be replaced?
Both Somfy and MotionBlinds motors are designed to be replaceable without replacing the entire blind. Custom Blinds carries replacement motors and can swap a failed unit on site, typically within a single visit. Motors from both manufacturers carry warranties and have expected lifespans of 10 to 15 years under normal use.
Ready to Motorise Your Home?
Tell us about your windows. We will recommend the right system, the right motors and the right power source for how you live.
Product specifications, pricing guidance and availability may change. Contact Custom Blinds for current options. Somfy and MotionBlinds are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Custom Blinds is an independent specialist and is not owned by or affiliated with either manufacturer.
